UT Martin Women Down EIU, 103-83

MARTIN, Tenn. - Eastern Illinois shot 60 percent from the field but was haunted by 26 turnovers that led to 40 UT Martin points as the Skyhawks raced to a 103-84 win on Monday night at the Elam  Center.

UT Martin jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead on a pair of 3-pointers and a 3-point play.  The Panthers were able to cut the lead down to four as Sabina Oroszova had a pair of baskets for EIU.  Oroszova would finish with 22 points, one of three EIU players in double figures.

Heather Butler hit a lay-up with 11:14 to go to give the Skyhawks a double digit lead they would never relinquish.  Butler led all players with 28 points hitting 10-of-24 from the floor while dishing out nine assists.

UT Martin's biggest first half lead was 46-23 with 3:40 to play on a lay-up by Jasmine Newsome.  Newsome had 13 points and seven assists.  EIU closed the half on a 12-5 run to trail 51-35 at the half.  Arnisha Thomas scored all 16 of her points in the first half for EIU.

The Panthers shot 71 percent from the floor in the second half but their 26 turnovers led to 40 points for UTM.  The Skyhawks shot 51 percent in the second half with many high percentage shots from forward Ashia Jones with 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting.  

Katyln Payne led EIU with 26 points as she tied the school record for 3-pointers in a game finishing with seven.  Payne was 7-of-16 from beyond the arc.  EIU was 10-of-22 from 3-point range as a team.  Jordyne Crunk passed out a team high 10 assists while Erica Brown pulled down nine rebounds.

Katie Schubert rounded out the UTM players in double figures with 15 points hitting 5-of-7 from 3-point range.  The Skyhawks scored 100 or more points for the third straight game.

UT Martin improved to 16-6 overall, 9-0 in the OVC as they attempt to become the first OVC team since Austin Peay in 2003 to finish undefeated in OVC play.  EIU fell to 8-12 overall, 3-6 in the OVC.  The Panthers are now 1-8 on the road.  EIU will host SIU Edwardsville on Saturday at 4:15 p.m.